THE rising number of child sex abuse cases in Malaysia is a wake-up call for us to get a grip on the situation. It is an appalling crime, perpetrated on the most innocent and vulnerable members of society. For many Malaysians, the thought of an adult sexually abusing a child is inconceivable. We seem reluctant to bring up the issue in polite conversation, even when the crime recurs day after day in our homes, schools and institutions, including religious establishments that house the young. Social activist Syed Azmi Al Habshi, who actively champions the prevention of child sex abuse on social media, reports cases of pupils being sexually attacked by their peers in religious schools, or maahad.

A news report last year stated that instances of child abuse, molestation and rape in the country were on the rise. In the first half of 2009, 2,193 of such cases were reported to police, while in 2007 and 2008, the number stood at 4,278. The forecast is that there will be more than 10,000 cases in Malaysia over the next 10 years. The figure is just the tip of the iceberg, as most cases of child abuse remain unknown, with the victims suffering in silence. The growing number of cases underscores the need for stricter scrutiny of those who work with children and youth. It feels horrible to regard fathers, guardians, uncles, brothers, teachers and social workers, among others, with suspicion and distrust, but we have reached a stage where there is little choice in the matter. Reverend Father Gregory Chan, director of the Archdiocesan Single Adults and Youth Office of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Bukit Nanas, agrees. The Richard Huckle case exposed the shortcomings of the church system, which calls for the screening and supervision of volunteers and pastoral workers prior to and during their recruitment, to assess how they interact with youngsters. Mainstream society is just beginning to learn about the nature of sex predators, who are usually people with authority, such as teachers.

Experts tell us that the impact of sex abuse on children is deep-seated and long-lasting. The conspiracy of silence among adults who look the other way, or refuse to believe in or protect children, makes it worse. When we do not talk about the problem, we allow the abusers to get away with their revolting behaviour and actions. Yes, it is a topic that, at best, is uncomfortable and, at worst, excruciating, but silence is not an option. According to iMuslim Academy (Shah Alam) founder Ustaz Shazly Khan, our current troubles originate from an inability to properly examine sexual issues. He observes that many parents are unwilling to talk about sex with their children, who then seek answers elsewhere — usually the wrong sources. Preventing child sex abuse is a collective effort, and parents, especially, have a big role to play. The enormity of the undertaking necessitates telling children the painful truth, and it is vital that parents realise this quickly. We must shatter the silence that protects abusers to prevent more children from falling victim to them.